India-bound Audi A3 sedan launched at the Beijing Auto Show

Apart from the flashy cars and only-for-China cars, there is also something that interests the Indian market at the Beijing Auto Show. It is the Audi A3 sedan. The Audi A3 sedan has been launched at the ongoing auto show, ahead of its official production commencement at the new Foshan plant. Branded ‘A3 Limousine’, it comes in two variants, priced at 279,800 yuan (Rs 27.08 lakh) and 334,300 yuan (Rs 32.36 lakh).

The dimensions as we know is 4,310 mm in length, 1,966 mm in width, 1,425 mm in height and that it has a wheelbase of 2,626 mm. Audi will not make a long wheelbase version of this sedan as its competitors do not get LWB versions.

In the engine department, the A3 is powered by the EA888 1.8 TFSI engine that develops a maximum power output of 180hp and peak torque of 250Nm. For the Indian market, the figures will be different. Here we are expected to get the 1.8 TFSI engine that develops a maximum power output of 168bhp and peak torque of 320Nm. It will most probably be paired with a 7-speed DSG gear box and will be available in the diesel guise as well.

The China-made Audi A3 sedan will be launched for the Chinese auto market in the second half of this year. The Audi A3 sedan is manufactured in China by the FAW-Volkswagen joint venture which also produces the Audi A3 Sportback. In terms of badging, Audi has used a very different type-system in China. ’35 TFSI’ is the 1.4; the 1.8 will be called ’40 TFSI’.

In India, however, we will be receiving a stripped down version of the A3, in order to price it competitively and will be assembled at Audi’s Aurangabad Plant. Here, the to-be-launched A3 sedan will compete with BMW 1 Series and Mercedes-Benz A-Class. We have recently spotted the car doing its test rounds in and around the city, an indication that its launch is around the corner.

Image source: IAB